FAQ

How much will I be paid?

Co-op pay varies by program and generally increases with experience. Employers are not bound by the salary survey - the amount you are paid while on work term is determined by the employer. While the Co-op Programs Office strives to secure paid employment for our students, please be aware that some specialty programs and industries may not be able to offer remuneration due to the nature of their business. Examples of this are in the fields of: Dramatic Arts, Psychology and Political Science. However, the experience and contacts afforded by these positions are critical to your ultimate success in these industries.

Why is there an additional fee for co-op?

The nature of co-op requires a separate and differentiated fee structure than regular tuition. Co-op programs offer you a unique opportunity to explore potential careers and acquire relevant work experience to supplement your academic studies. Co-op programs do not typically follow a traditional two term schedule and generally operate year-round. This continual cycle impacts many of the campus resources such as facilities, teaching resources, staff resources, as well as promotions/marketing and travel associated with securing employment opportunities for you. The Ontario government does not provide additional funding for co-operative education programs to post-secondary institutions.

This is not a “placement” fee and in no way is it tied to the successful or unsuccessful securing of a co-op job. The fee is to cover the cost of the administrative and operational services mentioned above.**

How are the fees assessed?

Brock co-op programs normally require a minimum of 3 mandatory work terms (with an option of completing up to five work terms) and eight academic terms. It is important to note that the co-op fees charged are not related to the services received in any one term, but are amortized over the entire program and paid at prescribed intervals over the course of the program. This is done to keep each fee payment as moderate as possible and to minimize the financial impact on students and their families. Please see Admission and Fees page for more information.

Can I arrange my own employment?

Yes! You are encouraged to conduct an independent job search, however the majority of students rely on the Co-op Programs Office. If you do secure an opportunity through your own search efforts, it must be approved by the Co-op Programs Office to ensure that the position meets co-op standards.

As with other post -secondary co-op programs, jobs are not guaranteed. Just as in the real world, as a student you will be competing against other students to secure opportunities. Your success if based on a great number of factors including: how active you are in the job search process; the number of positions to which you apply; how well your cover letter and resume sell your experience and skills; your interview performance; your past experience (either paid or unpaid); your grades; your connection to the assistance that co-op staff can provide; and, most of all, a positive attitude and realistic expectations.

Will I have to move for my co-op position and if so can I get help with moving expenses?

As a co-op student you must be flexible and willing to accept work term throughout Ontario and Canada. All moving expenses are your responsibility, however the goverment does allow for certain costs related to relocation to be claimed. Please see T1-M Claim Form for Moving Expenses from Revenue Canada.

How much time will I need to spend looking for a position?

This depends on many factors, including the number of jobs you apply to, whether you are willing to relocate for a work term, and when you decide to apply. Co-op work terms begin in September, January and May, and positions are posted with companies across Canada. Many employers begin posting jobs two to three months in advance of the job start date. The Co-op Programs Office at Brock encourages you to apply to at least 40 positions when conducting a work term search.

Do my work-term credits count towards the credits I earn for my degree?

The co-op work-term credits apply strictly to the requirements for obtaining a co-op certification on your degree. They do not replace academic credits required for non-co-op programs.

When do I go to work?

Most students begin their first work term in either second or third year. Work terms start in September, January or May and normally follow a pre-determined work/study pattern.

If I enroll in co-op, will this delay my graduation?

For most programs, co-op at Brock extends your degree program by four months. These four months are more than offset by the one year of career-related work experience you gain - so you are still ahead of the traditional student in jump-starting your career.

Can I take courses during the summer or a work term so that I can graduate sooner?

Some students are able to manage a co-op work term and university courses. If you are interested, talk to your faculty specific Academic Advisor regarding course availability and the impact this will have on your work term / academic sequence. It is also important that you consider the additional time required for a course (average 15 hours per week) when working full time.